We cannot develop a legislative or regulatory plan to address gun violence and mass killings if Congress won’t even agree to hold hearings on the issue.

Laws concerning guns come under the jurisdiction of Congress’s two judiciary committees. The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee is Patrick Leahy of Vermont. He has a C Rating from the National Rifle Association, indicating, actually, that he is fairly supportive of gun rights. However, he has supported eliminating the gun show loophole and he has opposed efforts to shield gun manufacturers from lawsuits. I think we can convince Sen. Leahy to hold hearings on the massacre in Connecticut, or at least to allow one of his subcommittee chairs to do so.

In the House, there will be a new chairman of the Judiciary Committee next year. His name is Rep. Bob Goodlatte of Virginia. He is a Christian Scientist who has co-sponsored a bill that would require all future presidential candidates to submit their birth certificates for inspection. He is a big opponent of online gambling and was a key driver beyond the attempt to pass the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA).

What this tells us, LH, is that we have to work like the very devil to get the RWNJs out of Congress. We can’t have terrorist advocates running important congressional committees. This Goodlatte of VA has got to learn to fear the people and respond to them, not the crazies and the NRA. If he can’t, then the good people of Va have to boot him out. Not an easy tasks for any of us with right-wing reps, but we can’t let ourselves get discouraged at the start. Anyone who got elected can also be voted out.

Morning TOD. Well will you look at this. NRA gets to “grade” members of congress. How special of them. I give the devil’s spawn (NRA) a grade “F” as in F— them. Sorry to be so crass on this righteous day the Lord has made, but my blood boils at the thought of creatures practically owning the loyalties of folks who otherwise have intelligence. How lovely it would be if these congress people could achieve a grade A in protecting its citizens from slaughter, and turn their backs on that dastardly organization once and for all. We must not forget !

I agree with you about NRA owning congressional members. Kinda like Norquist owns congressional members. I wonder when the MSM will finally report on this violation of their oaths of office. I believe it is treason.

Theirin again, the Republicans do not care about the debt only cutting spending. They do however, care deeply, especially the right ideologues, about the second amendment and the fourteenth amendment.
These 2 amendments they will use to stop any federal gun control, if not through congress, then the courts.
Unless, the GOP does not fight it???

There are many ways to skin this cat. As df suggested in the last thread, make insurance mandatory for every gun sold. Make the insurance industry lobby to fight the nra lobby. The insurance companies would do a comprehensive background check and keep track of the guns, at least to save their own asses.

Making insurance for every gun sold requires a Law. Congress writes laws.
We need a liberal think tank on this to get around congress and those 2 amendments.
The only way I see, is if we repeal the second
amendment.
But that also requires a Congress…
Maybe Shame people and educate them?
I don’t know? The founding fathers were not that bright afterall!

I agree with you Jodi! The problem with gun control is not a lack of good Ideas. The problem is the fact the Supreme Court pretty much endorsed the NRA position on the 2nd Amendment. That’s why I don’t think there is a quick fix to this problem. We must think of a long term strategy similar to the strategy used by NAACP to end legal segregation. in 1896, in “Plessy v. Ferguson,” the Supreme court said that the 14th Amendment did not prohibit racial segregation. Once the Court spoke Southern states wasted no time illegally segregating all aspects of life. It took a forgotten Civil Rights hero, Charles H. Houston — a real legal genius in my book– to devise a different strategy to attack segregation. Since the Court in 1896 had said that you could have “separate but equal,” Charles Houston, beginning with schools, filed cases demanding equalization. That legal struggle took, Houston,Thurgood Marshall and other NAACP lawyers 20 years before the Supreme Court, in the 1954 “Brown v. Board of education” finally concluded that racial separation in schools was “inherently unequal.” It took Congress ten years after the Brown decision, and mainly as a result of a sustained non-violent direct action movement that seriously began with the Montgomery Bus Boycott, to finally enact the comprehensive Civil Rights Act of 1964. Contrary to the mythology taught as history, the Civil rights struggle that resulted in overturning the Plessy ruling, or in the passage of Civil Rights laws of the 1960’s was not initiated or led by either JFK or LBJ. Rather, it was a grass-roots movement that educated and mobilized the people and eventually forced political leaders to act.

In my humble opinion, what is needed in the struggle to put an end to gun terrorism is a new three pronged strategy that focuses on: (1)Educating and mobilizing the majority of America to support effective gun control laws; (2) devising a legal strategy, that may or may not include a new Constitutional Amendment that supersedes the 2nd Amendment, to convince the Courts to interpret the 2nd Amendment to prohibit the sell to, and possession by, private citizens of military style weapons; (3) Electing Presidents, members of Congress, governors, members of state legislatures, Mayors, members of City councils and other local offices, who support strict gun control.

And I bet if it started to cost some folks that much, a lot of guns would “suddenly” get turned in or deepsixed into the sea. And if victims could sue, a lot of guns would be taken off the market and also turned in as well.

I saw the Bushmaster, and all I could say was, what possible need could a law-abiding civilian have for such a weapon? If you want to play with them, just rent one at the range and shoot away at some targets. Better yet, and I’m surprised nobody has suggested this, why not just have adults play with realistic-looking toy guns, like they do with pretend swords, and only allow real ones for folks who have responsibility to something other than their obsessions?

I think the overwhelming majority agrees with you on this, no Assaukt rifles could pass any congress(at least it should).
Also, The shame factor would keep conservative think tanks from bringing this to court over second amendment privileges.
Unfortunately, the second amendment says right to bear arms. That could mean a fucking Tank for goodness sakes.
You see how this Amendment is flawed?

I am with you Jovie because of the way the 2nd Amendment has been interpreted by the Courts. I am really surprised, that very few people at TOD have included the Courts in their discussion. I think only Bill R pointed out the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Washington D.C.’s strict gun control law in 2008. I for one think that the real solution to terror of gun violence may require an Amendment to the Constitution that bans the sell and possession of assault weapons.

Anonymous has been after the Westboro Baptist Church for several months now, hacking their websites repeatedly. Recently, they accused the church of creating a fake letter from the hacking group in order to trick other hackers into attacking the website. Anonymous warned their supporters the church planned to harvest internet addresses and sue people. Suing people is apparently the primary activity of the Westboro Baptist Church when they aren’t screaming hate at funerals.

Of course, Westboro denied the charges and taunted Anonymous as incompetent hackers. They claimed their website was protected by God. Big mistake. A few days later, while a Westboro spokeswoman was boasting about how the church foiled Anonymous on a radio talk show, an Anonymous spokesman called in and hacked the church’s website in real time on the air.

The people of this “church” are warped. They deserve every bit of this, as far as I’m concerned.

So, Bloomberg says that dealing with gun violence should be tip of the Presidents agenda.
Really? Tell us specifically what can be done? Mr Bloomberg? It’s a lot more complicated than going on MTP and talking shit.

He wants to ban assault weapons and close the gun show background check loophole. He believes the power of the NRA is overrated. He is backing candidates with his money running against NRA candidates in the House. His candidates won 4 out of 7 elections in 2012.

And he pushes one thing when he gets in teevee, his disdain for this President.
Btw- i supported all democrats last election and also donated to everybody that won and I believe in gun control.
Can I get on teevee too?

I am of the opinion if someone “on the other side” or whom I have not always agreed with is now supporting gun-control and putting his money where his mouth is – that should be encouraged. The war is what we have to win and anyone who supports gun control and banning assault weapons is on the side that I support.

I’m not sure if Bloomberg supported Scott Brown, but if he did what does that say, oh he wanted to keep that Elizabeth Warren out of office cause she wouldn’t stand for Wall St. B.S. I am for banning assault weapons, but don’t get on tv running your dam mouth blaming the President cause there is no gun control. No I don’t like what I am hearing where some people want to try to blame President Obama.

I find Major Bloomberg very interestingly no putting his money where his mouth is. As Michael Tomasky puts it :

The second is that politicians have to lead, and that starts with Obama of course. He was right yesterday not to push a political agenda; yesterday was just a day to express the nation’s grief. But now is the time, starting next week.

He’s busy with a lot of other things. He needs to get his tax increase. He needs to win the debt-limit fight. He wants immigration reform, and the Latino groups that represent the voters who backed him so heavily won’t let him forget that or drop it.

Did I say he and he alone? Not quite right. I amend that to: He, along with Mike Bloomberg. Bloomberg has the standing, the podium, and most crucially, the money to help make this a voting issue. The furious statement Bloomberg released yesterday is exactly right. The time

I just caught Major Bloomberg on the 1:00 CT time on MTP running his trap. But, I heard not one iota of Major Bloomberg talking about where he’d put his money regarding this all important issue.

BTW: TODville and Chips, it’s nice to be back on line. I dropped noodles on my laptop. I then cracked the monitor on my desktop trying to hook it up. Finally, after days of trying to find a battery and a monitor, I remembered I had a netbook which I’m on now. it’s slow but it’ll help. I missed you guys.

Bloomberg is full of it! I am really sick of people like him who, instead of joining efforts to educate and mobilize the country about gun control, throw cheap shots at the President. He is another Cornel West/Tavis Smiley. Not once have I seen Bloomberg come to defense of the President when he is being attacked by the NRA and other gun nuts.

CBS This Morning is doing an excellent job on the Ct massacre. Digging deeper into the sick gun culture in this country. Reported that 283,000 guns were sold over the Black Friday weekend. Guns for xmas! And the continuing easing of gun laws across the country—-Michigan passing their new guns are dandy in schools law the night before this catastrophe mentioned. Not mentioned but I was also thinking about the appeals ct. judge, Judge Posner, who overturned Illinois’ ban on onceal/carry recently——I wondered if he looked at the names of the 20 first graders gunned down—–one of them has his same last name—–Posner. And the CBS report included the likelihood that all those affected by this horror in Ct., the survivors, will be affected for a lifetime, not just emotionally but physically too. This one will leave lots of permanent scars on so many.

Btw- I am up in northern Florida today just hanging out. So, I went to Eglin AFB to grab some chow. I look up and I asked the SP WTF is that? He said that is the F-35b lightning.
It looked like a freaking space ship, and it takes off vertically like a helicopter.
Apparently, they have 2 squadrons at Eglin.
This goes down as the did know know that category.
LOL!

Good for Feinstein. She can be a real pain, but she’s got clout. Let her get a bill out there and then let the RWNJs try to tell us we don’t need it. The zeitgeist is changing and the tolerance for their continued bullcrapl is ending. If the Feinstein bill is decent, this is when we pour it on and challenge every single Democrat in the Senate and every single Democratic rep in the 2013 House to support it. Time for silence is over. This is where we fight and fall on our swords. Let’s do it.

My only questions, Jackie – why only ‘challenge every single Democrat in the Senate and every single Democratic rep in the 2013 House to support it’? Shouldn’t we ‘pour it on and CHALLENGE’ all the Republicans TOO, especially if we have any representing our area?

This is a good point, VC. There are some Republicans who won’t be thrown out of Congress, but that doesn’t mean that they can get away with not doing their jobs, or operating at a higher standard the serves the American people. If this tragedy shows the country anything, it’s that bad policies and bad people affect everyone – regardless of party. those little kids weren’t Democrats or Republicans. They didn’t vote in the last election. And it’s probably likely that a lot of their parents voted Republican, but that didn’t make them immune to tragedy.

If the Republicans are going to be in Congress, then they need to be held to a higher standard, just like the Democrats, and they have to start serving the people of this country – not just the corporations and money-mongers.

Indeed, Theo. (Hi there ole gurl!😆 ) And there is the added factor, I think, that if we only challenge our guys aren’t we opening the door for repubs to do the same, while also leaving repubs with the idea we are satisfied with the repub senators’ positions? True we aren’t likely to get the response we desire from most repub representatives but that’s all the more reason for us to squeak loudly at them in the hopes some oil may be tossed our way. 😉😉

That’s the way to do it. Feinstein is my Senator. I basically had no good alternative so I voted for her although I do not like her or trust her. She should be introducing the bill not for the President but for the people of California and and the country at large. That’s what we elected her to do. I am at a point that if Congress is afraid to tackle difficult issues, then Congress should pass a bill giving the President the power to enact such laws on his own. That way we can hold the President accountable for what he does or does not do.

That’s what they always do, hoping it will go away. Laying low…
It’s always calculus with the GOP, never any feelings. They are androids, programmer with specific purposes!
If they are never part of the conversation then nothing will ever get done.

The GOP were planning to be out talking about Susan Rice’s name withdrawal. But the tragedy left them with nothing to talk about. They are laying low hoping PBO will be blamed by the emoprogs and political opportunists (e.g., Bloomberg).

I do not know how the families will cope with this – it is not in my mindset to understand how one copes with such a tragedy. I thought it couldn’t get any worse when Cristina Taylor Green – who wanted to meet her representative – died when Gabby Giffords was attacked – I was so very wrong.

The effort we put into protecting our children – and one person can make all such efforts seem so pointless. Why do we vaccinate our babes, why do we listen at night to make sure they keep breathing, why do we put them in safe cradles and cots – so they cannot fall, why do we “childproof” our homes, why do we fence the pools, why do we use capsules and car seats – there are so many who do all these things to keep their children safe – and won’t do the one thing that really matters – get rid of the guns.

I think it will be a long time before everyone recovers from this – it is such a feeling of helplessness – even arguing with the right wing fools as they fill the internet with their lies seems rather pointless 24 hours later. I think it is very telling that 31 senators would not go on TV this morning – no doubt John McCain was among that lot. They are scared to appear when they realize it is time to answer the hard questions – they can’t filibuster this question.

The effort we put into protecting our children – and one person can make all such efforts seem so pointless. Why do we vaccinate our babes, why do we listen at night to make sure they keep breathing, why do we put them in safe cradles and cots – so they cannot fall, why do we “childproof” our homes, why do we fence the pools, why do we use capsules and car seats – there are so many who do all these things to keep their children safe – and won’t do the one thing that really matters – get rid of the guns.

So very well said, and so sad. Those who are maintaining their silence are just proving all of us right, just let them keep taking more rope to hang themselves. They may have actually done that this time.

Sunday, is it? A ‘new’ day? I appreciate the brief info in that Booman post which I’m Heading over to read when I’m done this comment. It’s good to know specifically whom to address on this (specific) issue as opposed to directing everything to attention of our ‘poor’ overworked and ’emotionally’ overburdened President.

Good Morning, TODobots, Ms Chips and visitors! Hats off to you OMF, nice to see you at the top!😆

This semester, ironically, I am teaching an Introduction to Political Science class and we were discussing the Constitution last week and about to start discussing the Bill of Rights. I realize now that many people who say something is enshrined in the Constitution never really completely read the document. They interpret to suit their needs. On Friday morning, after this tragedy, I think that there needs to be an honest and clear discussion about gun control and gun rights. For too long we have let one side dominate the debate, NRA. It is time for us to get the other side, with discussion on mental health, gun availability and gun control. Or else, this President will continue to have to be comforter in chief.

Bless you MRM for being a teacher and for bringing this very important discussion into your classroom. This is how these discussions need to start, at the grassroots level, in the classrooms, because the media is going to steer this debate the way the NRA wants. I must say that when I was in community college and took my first political science class, I was very ignorant of the constitution although I took Government a required course in the 12th grade. We watched the Nixon impeachment hearings in 1973/74 and it was worked into the program. Our teacher felt that this was an important event that no text book could teach us about the political process and I agree.

Morning all. Just wanted to post a heartwarming video of a wild animal in the height of a kill that finds a baby and does an amazing reaction. Even wild animals protect helpless babies, what is it about humans that we are capable of such atrocities while wild animals….. get past the first min or so. It’s worth it

lunar_sea, I think the principal, teachers who died protecting those kids and the other adults who risked their lives in that school did exactly that….yes we have the NRA and GOP who only care about their power over the safety of the rest of us including kids. This event has made an impact on us, lets hope this is the beginning that these groups won’t steer the narrative anymore.

I know there are people who don’t want video games brought into the Ct. massacre discussion. But—-according to Hartford Courant’s reporting from police reports, Adam Lanzer had a 2 bdrm. suite in his home, one room for sleeping, the other for computer equipment and “graphically violent video games”. I think all these violent video games definitely play a role in all this increased violence we see—–they damage and desensitize vulnerable, developing brains.

Colorado Gov. To CNN: ‘Video Games’ May Be The Reason ‘Assault Weapons Are Used’ In Mass Shootings (Video) http://t.co/H0JxtkTG

I note that there has been an absence of media discussion of the upbringing of the shooter. From I’ve read…

Nancy Lanza, an affluent woman described as a decent, socially active woman, owned a large amount of guns ranging from glocks to assault rifles. She took her children to gun ranges from and early age. The media reports this without skipping a beat.

Agree…that is why we shouldn’t be JUST against gun violence but ALL violence…movie violence, video violence, tv violence, bullying violence and it goes on and on but ALL violence that our children are exposed to on a day to day basis….if parents won’t protect their children from this violence then WE need to….if they can’t get their hands on violent media then they are not exposed to it….and that includes hate filled spewing from radio talk show hosts…..If children are brought up with peace and love they are not going to grow up and shoot children.

With all due respect, and fully understanding that many here may disagree with me, I have to say that the author of the above “I am Adam Lanza’s mother” is NOT Adam Lanza mother. This mom didn’t take her beloved child to a shooting range.

Now, please don’t get me wrong. Of course, I am in no way saying that Nancy Lanza deserved her horrific fate. I am saying, that as the mother of a clearly troubled child, she might have made a different decision than teaching that troubled child to handle a deadly weapon.

A tender subject, I know. And there are many places to start the conversation. Maybe know isn’t the time, but if not now, when?

Do we talk about this latest tragedy in the same breath as the hundreds of gun deaths in cities across the country?

Do we address America’s systemic underfunding of mental health services along with the capacity of families of wealth to pay for what they need? What about the stigma of SEEKING mental health services? whispering ‘I always knew there was something wrong with that child..’ instead of “I’m so glad that child is getting some help.”

Is more school security the answer? Do we mention that many city schools already have metal detectors and it makes the mere fact of entering a school feel like going into a prison.

When and where do we start? I don’t know the answer to that question. All I know is that WE MUST HAVE THIS CONVERSATION.

I think about this, I want all the ones who didn’t get out to vote in 2010 to think about that. Now I am talking about the ones who didn’t vote because Obama didn’t close Gitmo, the economy wasn’t improving fast enough, the war wasn’t over, they didn’t get what they wanted in the Healthcare Reform bill, they felt that Obama cave to much. Obama didn’t do this, he didn’t do that, I’m so disappointed in him. So people sat on their behinds and allow the tea party Republicans to get control of the House. Well we all know how well that has gone. I am so sorry for what happen in Newtown Ct., but I am just as sorry when I hear about a young black kid in Chicago being kill on their way to school. And no we don’t need those horrible weapons, ,like that Bushmaster. But I am not joining the band wagon of Bloomberg, Rep. McCarthy who seem to want to blame President Obama.

Feinstein Will Seek New Gun Law
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) told Meet the Press that she “intended to introduce a gun control bill on the first day of the next Congress. Paired with a twin version in the House, Feinstein’s law would take aim at limiting the sale, transfer and possession of assault weapons, along with the capacity of high-capacity magazines.”

Said Feinstein: “It can be done.”

She also said she expected that President Obama would publicly support the proposal.

###

Sen. Feinstein can be thorn in our sides at times but she will act on this. Don’t forget that she became mayor of San Francisco in 1978 because our mayor was gunned down in his office. She was the one who discovered Harvey Milk’s body. It was a horrible incident that we will never forget. She believes in this. So let’s do what we can to support her efforts.

Thanks meta. She is doing her job as a Senator and I will gladly support her. I’m sure most Americans believe in this cause, and I am certain that PBO will use the gravitas of his office to help push Senator Feinstein’s legislation.

Good morning, hf. I keep trying to think of ways to make sure we maintain traction on this issue. Maybe a national town hall? Or a week long primetime series with all sides presented and discussed with an audience and solutions proposed? A primetime special on members of Congress who are on the take from NRA? We need some light shed on this and the enablers must be exposed. Then call for a day of action where We the People come out in support of new laws that will stand the test of time.

All very good ideas. I agree that this issue needs to addressed THIS year and kept at the forefront of policy discussion. Politicians don’t have the excuse of an upcoming election. If PBO has to be making trips every month to console grieving families, he can’t govern anyway. And we as a nation can’t move forward if we are continually disrupted with these events, and individuals, families and children don’t feel safe leaving their homes.

I think recent polling has shown decline in support for ‘gun control’. However, just as with the ACA if they ask more pointed questions about specific anti-gun policies, the favorability goes up. We need to frame this correctly.

I can’t remember the poll; it was a national group. It also tracked the times that ‘gun control’ was mentioned and that has been going down. The key point was that specific reforms were popular-the overall term wasn’t I’m sure the Newtown shoots have changed some minds.and if we want to keep that going we have to think carefully about the words we use.

Remember Governor Walker’s proud “Wisconsin is Open for Business” slogan?

Turns out, Wisconsin in 2012 is bad for business, according to Forbes magazine. They are ranked at 42 out of 50 for best states to do business. In other words, in the top ten worst states to do business. Forbes notes that Wisconsin job growth is projected to be second worst in the country through 2016, and the cost of doing business is 0.7% above national average.
.
.
Wisconsin is Open for Business! They got everything they wanted and then some, yet it’s not working. Why is that? Could it be that trickle down is the same failure on a state level as it is nationally?

It’s great that Republicans keep testing out these failed theories, just to see if one day, by fluke, they might happen to work. It’s been 40 years and the data has yet to back them up. Tick tock. Wisconsin is open for business.

These ugly rats who are now hiding will crawl out in “protest” when the Feinstein bill is being drafted and/or about to be sent to the floor for passage – and the MSM, including Gregory will unquestioningly grant them a platform.

Morning Chips and TOD Family. Let us remember what Sen. Feinstein said about her bill ready to go, and we all should put this date on our calendars as a reminder of the fact DG on MTP stated that these 31 cowards would not appear on\ his program.

Then we need to be ready when Sen. Feinstein introduce her bill, and all of us who so desire jam the phones, email accounts, tweeter accounts to those who come out swinging in opposition to Sen. Feinstein’s bill. Of course, we will have to make sure that we see what is in the bill. POB is not going to rest until he gets a good bill on his desk, and we will not rest until the Congress sends him one that is worth the lives of those beautiful children and school staff in CT., and all over this country. We have the Power to stand with Sen. Feinstein and our president. I am in. Sen. Feinstein is one of my Senators and I wrote to her office as well. We will not let up on this.

Everyone have a beautiful day, and try to place into your space those things of kindness, hope, love, peace, calmness, and comforting words to encourage you and those around you. Remember to pray for POB as he makes his journey to CT. , today. God, please give him strength, wisdom, and protections as he speaks to all of us. ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Angles Surrounding the Nation Today)))))))))))))))))Amen.HZ

I don’t mind that they have a platform. What I mind is that the pro-gun people spout every kind of nonsense and they’re never called on it. That’s why they’re hiding now. What happened in Newtown was so horrific that they fear even someone like Gregory might be stunned into asking hard questions and not tolerating their bullshit.

Michael Bloomberg is a COWARD. Gregory asked him what specifically he would do about gun laws. He dodged the question and basically said this: Blame Pres. Obama….Blame Pres. Obama….Blame Pres. Obama.

He also doesn’t know how the government works and should be enrolled in a high school AP Government class. Congress is the legislative body. The executive branch enforces not makes law. Also, executive orders can be overturned by future presidents so what the hell can Pres. Obama do about gun control in terms of executive orders?

Bloomberg is also a bloody hypocrite. He screams at Pres. Obama for being at fault regarding gun control yet he (Bloomberg) backed Scott Brown who is an avid anti-gun control and anti-gun safety senator.

Spare me the BS. Michael Bloomberg would do better to look at himself and his disgusting racially biased ‘Stop and Frisk’ law than to castigate another human being.

Bloomberg is nothing but an opportunist who uses these events to criticize President Obama for whatever reason. After President Obama’s heartwrenching statement on Friday afternoon, Bloomberg in poor taste put out a statement criticizing PBO’s call for meaningful action under the guise of public condolences. I am sure that Bloomberg has not personally contacted a single family who has been affected by the event.

Children from all over the world play video games. People all over the world have mental illness. Children all over the world have mental illness of varying degrees. Yet these kinds of mass shootings are almost exclusively committed by AMERICAN males.

But why is it every time someone mentions video games people get defensive. Sorta like some of the gun owners who get defensive. I substituted in several schools during the late 90’s and early 00’s and witnessed first hand the kids using profanity from Rap and talking about all types of guns and how it was fun to watch all the blood in the games. Fact is any kind of violence is not healthy for little ones. At least people understand that and movies are rated R/M, because kids can’t handle some things. That’s not to say children and even adults will be affected by the violence they see damn near every day of their lives, but the ones who are not stable or don’t know how to resolve conflict certainly may be influenced. Just as certain literature has been found in the possessions of mass murderers doesn’t mean all people who read the same stuff will react the same way, but it has an affect on some.

We live in a very violent country. Why does so many forms of entertainment have to include some form violence – even many cartoons.

People get defensive because a broad brush is used to paint video games as the source of all violence. They are not. Video games don’t make you go out, pick up a gun and murder everyone in your neighborhood. Rap songs don’t make you pick up a gun and murder everyone in your home. People like to use vague correlations as a cause and effect. This is wrong.

You answered the question yourself: “That’s not to say children and even adults will be affected by the violence they see damn near every day of their lives, but the ones who are not stable or don’t know how to resolve conflict certainly may be influenced.” Some not all people (a minute number) with already unstable psyches are more prone to carrying out the violence seen in some video games. However, there is no definitive cause and effect with video games and acts of extreme violence.

For me, I personally am horrified by violent video games and cannot for the life of me understand why any young person would view that as “entertainment” and be practically addicted to playing them. No direct evidence of cause and effect but there is no doubt that pervasive violence in our culture can make some people inured to the tragic consequences of using violence as a means to solving all our problems. We see horrific violence and the culture of guns glorified or sensationalized every day; it is commonplace. So there are some people who come to fantasize about it as if it’s just another way to act out. They are the weakest among us but the easy availability of guns provides the hair trigger to carry out extreme fantasies.

I totally agree. If 30,000 people are dying each year from gun shot (murder, suicide and/or accidents) I believe we must look at any and everything that may have some affect on people, especially young people. Violence is sensationalized and “hate” begets violence in some instances.

I’m not exactly defensive – I don’t really like the games – but most often people take the video game line to point away from gun control, when the correlation is much stronger between guns and gun violence. I would think it’s fine if they put in a strict rating system (there used to be one – don’t know if there still is), but I doubt you would see much instant effect. I don’t mean it’s not something to be looked at. Strict gun control won’t magically make shooting deaths go away instantly either. It’s one area to look at, but I don’t think it’s the most important area.

I agree with you. They want to deflect the blame anywhere they can. This is their MO. Muddy the waters, get us going in lots of different directions, then we throw our hands up because we feel the problem is too huge to tackle and we don’t know who to really blame anymore. This is a rerun and if we keep falling for it we are in essence their enablers!

We don’t need assault rapid fire guns in any civilized society. Our focus has to be lobbyists and their bought and paid for congresscritters.

Exactly. The other argument is that gun control legislation won’t immediately stop every shooting death so why bothers. Well drivers’ licenses and traffic laws don’t stop every traffic fatality but we need them anyway.

I just saw your comment. By NO means was I suggesting that video games is the CAUSE of gun violence. I don’t who “these” people are who claim video games cause violence. I have never read any study that says video guns cause gun violence. However, I agree with comments on twitter that ask why slap down suggestions that look at cause and effect? I don’t think most people are stupid enough to believe that one must negate the need to change guns just because they say look at violence in society and the effect it has on young people. Some of the kids start at 2 or 3 and watch violence (real and imagined) until they are young adults. I don’t believe any psych will say this is a good thing.

Well, I didn’t think you thought that was the complete cause. I see people on facebook and twiitter immediately going after video games. I think it’s a distraction. Of course they can be part of the problem but I don’t believe it’s the big issue. I did not equate you with those people and I didn’t make that clear. I think right now the most important thing is to concentrate on guns, because they are the big difference between the U.S. and other countries.

You nailed my point Lunar_Sea. You are completely correct. Putting all the blame on video games is a way to distract from the fact that guns not video games kill people. It is a red herring and distracts from the underlying point that more should be done in terms of gun regulation, gun control, and gun safety.

Head Of Embattled ATF Says Running Bureau ‘Testing All Of My Skill Sets’

by Carrie Johnson

————————————–

Like other parts of the federal bureaucracy, the budget’s flat. There’s a hiring freeze. And there’s another complication: the politics of gun ownership.

“The things that we do are limited by the state of the law, and there is a legal commerce in firearms in the United States,” Jones said.

He resisted calling for new legislation, saying that’s the prerogative of policymakers and elected officials.

“Ours is not to generate new statutes,” Jones said. “We’re being … pretty aggressive and flexible in how we’re approaching these issues of firearms trafficking and gun violence across the country with the current set of tools that we have.”

JONES SAID HE’S NOT SURE IF OR WHEN THE AGENCY WILL HAVE A LEADER WHO’S CONFIRMED BY THE SENATE. THAT HASN’T HAPPENED FOR THE PAST DECADE, THROUGH BOTH REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC ADMINISTRATIONS.

Instead, Jones said, he’s focused on what he can change, sending agents surging to work with state and local police in places where violent crime has ticked up, thanks to gangs or hard-core criminals who are “terrorizing” neighborhoods in Oakland, Calif., New Orleans, Philadelphia and Flint, Mich.

LOL! If you go to Piers Morgan’s Twitter page (@piersmorgan), you immediately see that his main account picture is with him standing like a college son between PBO and FLOTUS at the WH. Piers loves him some Obama – regardless of what he pretends otherwise.

He’s always said one of the guests he wants and has never gotten is Pres. Obama. Maybe if he’d be less of an asswipe, POTUS might just grant him his wish. I wouldn’t hold my breath though if I were him.

It was originally on Ellen. Her spirit of giving seems to be spreading. Now more than ever we need to combine political activism with taking care of ourselves by remembering that good stuff still happens.

Three days before 20 year-old Adam Lanza killed his mother, then opened fire on a classroom full of Connecticut kindergartners, my 13-year old son Michael (name changed) missed his bus because he was wearing the wrong color pants.

“I can wear these pants,” he said, his tone increasingly belligerent, the black-hole pupils of his eyes swallowing the blue irises.

“They told me I could wear these,” he insisted. “You’re a stupid bitch. I can wear whatever pants I want to. This is America. I have rights!”

“You can’t wear whatever pants you want to,” I said, my tone affable, reasonable. “And you definitely cannot call me a stupid bitch. You’re grounded from electronics for the rest of the day. Now get in the car, and I will take you to school.”

I live with a son who is mentally ill. I love my son. But he terrifies me.

By not talking about guns the reality of what is happening is being ignored. For too long people have been confused by what everyone brings up other than guns. I read the mother’s story – and every word she says is heart wrenching & no doubt true – but she doesn’t let her child anywhere near guns. She takes away his weapons – she tries every day to get help. Without the guns he cannot kill 26 people in 2 minutes.

I’m thinking that this tragedy might well be the spark to light a massive gun control effort in this country.

When the public gets on board good things can happen— no matter the opposition. Think MADD, seat belt campaign (remember that one? Public figures in commercials) stop smoking efforts.

Let’s all sign petitions call representatives join organizations that will mobilize in this effort.

I am more optimistic than I’ve ever been because the gun that slaughtered those little children was exactly the specific firearm that PBO mentioned in the 2nd debate and that until 2004 had specifically been banned. I think that re-instating that law against assault rifles in private citizens hands just might be the camels nose under the tent. First a ban against assault rifles, then against high capacity magazines. Strict licensing. Testing. You can’t drive a car in the US without a test, right?

too many things to ponder this morning – heart heavy with all the crazy happenings around the globe. why is it so seemingly easy for human beings to inflict pain on other people and other living things?

I’ve got to tell you, this reminds me of the days and weeks after the terrorist attacks against us of 9/11. And, at one point, John McCain and I turned to each other and said, we can’t let this just go. We’ve got to create a national commission to investigate exactly the questions we’re asking about Newtown — how could this have happened and is there anything we can do to try to prevent it from happening again?

Lieberman said he was in favor of re-instating the assault weapons ban and said that while not all gun violence can be stopped, the “strong our gun control laws are, the fewer acts of violence including mass violence that will happen in our society.”

How about Lieberman turning to his old buddy, this time, shouting instead of whispering in McCain’s ear how important it will be not to join the chorus of his fellow evil obstructionist on gun control?

Have Mercy. 47 guns worth $100K? Seriously, could he not have had a better form of investment with $100K, than buying guns and threatening little kids? I hope that his fanny is fried way into a prison cell.

I’m not sure I would want to send my surviving child anywhere out of my sight, if they were one of the survivors. Or if I were one of those kids would I be able to walk into any school any time soon? I hope they continue to provide counselling for PTSD

I know this school. This is the town that my family grew up in. The school my brothers went to. They will be welcomed with open arms. Just when I think I’m getting a grip on my feelings, I realize that I don’t. I will call my father and tell him this. This is close to home for me, on so many levels.

Caption for this JFK photo: “On February 13 1961, United Nations Ambassador Adlai Stevenson came on the phone. I was alone with the President; his hand went to his head in utter despair, “On, no,” I heard him groan. The Ambassador was informing the President of the assassination of Patrice Lumumba of the Congo, an African leader considered a trouble-maker and a leftist by many Americans. But Kennedy’s attitude towards black Africa was that many who were considered leftists were in fact nationalists and patriots, anti-West because of years of colonialization, and lured to the siren call of Communism against their will. He felt that Africa presented an opportunity for the West, and, speaking as an American, unhindered by a colonial heritage, he had made friends in Africa and would succeed in gaining the trust of a great many African leaders. The call therefore left him heartbroken, for he knew that the murder would be a prelude to chaos in the mineral-rich and important African country, it was a poignant moment.”

The killer in Colorado waited only for an opportunity, and there you have it — the arsenal of democracy transformed into the arsenal of death and the NRA — the NRA is the enabler of death — paranoid, delusional, and as venomous as a scorpion. With the weak-kneed acquiescence of our politicians, the National Rifle Association has turned the Second Amendment of the Constitution into a cruel hoax, a cruel and deadly hoax. I’m Bill Moyers.

and gun licensing needs to be like driver’s licensing. application with test and background check, waiting period, insurance card, then a big whopping fee. renew this annually to maintain license. weapons also each individually licensed, like cars. they need a big old government approval sticker on there, with an annual fee sticker. and only duly licensed individuals can purchase, keep, or operate guns.

67 senators to pass an amendment and 3/4 state ratification.
The way the country is divided?
What I’d more likely is if we Libby our own cities and police forces to pay for guns to be returned, like what they did in Oakland yesterday.

the president’s ‘all of the above’ approach to energy is needed here too. local efforts involve people directly, and tap into everyone’s intense feelings about the tragedy. at the same time state legislatures and governors need to be looking at ways to regulate firearm sales, gun shows, etc. and the u.s. congress has its work to do with national standards for licensing, and passing laws for the president to sign, the supremes to review. everybody has a role. i like what they did in oakland, too. but it isn’t enough.

you are a gem Bob – I think the reality of guns needs to be explained like the reality of nicotine – neither have a valid part to play in our society. If I can be convinced to stop smoking (and 7 years later I still want a cigarette) then it is possible to get rid of the guns.

First many, many thanks to you Chipsticks for this site, a safe and informative site to go to at times like this. Receive email from mayor against guns, felt they were pointing finger at PBO, replied would sign and donate only if heard they were pointing finger at Congress, Senate and NRA, want the ‘heat’ put on those people.

good hawaii morning chips and tods~
today, i’m going to a toys for tots event in our local park. our kupuna (elders) hula group will dance with the keiki (children) hula group, in a program for all the families coming to mingle and visit santa. in my red lavalava with a gardenia in my hair, i’ll be celebrating and sharing aloha with the children of our community, and sending hawaii’s aloha out into the world.

i hope all of you obamadons will fill your hearts with joy today, and share your fierce devotion to the children of the world by helping to make this a happy christmas for those bright faces. make peace today.

Some Indiana nutcase was arrested for threatening to go to the elementary school which was 1000 ft. from his home and “kill as many people as he could before the police could stop him.” And threatening to set his wife on fire after she fell asleep. Law enforcement found 47 guns and ammunition valued at $100,000 in his home. Have a feeling law enforcement will be busy with copycat threats——we have an abundance of crazies in this country and they all seem to have a generous supply of guns.

am i alone in thinking this elevated level of nut job violence is part of the aftermath of the rethug’s ugly election strategy? they stirred up a hornet’s nest of fears and vague conspiracy nonsense. reactionary talk radio is poking at these crazies all the time, keeping them off balance. anyone whose personality problems requires a calm environment has had a rough year.

I hope they are doing it on capital hill and not waisting their energy af the whitehouse. In which case wish I were closer. I’d be there. But I will be sure to be back on the phone and sending out faxes

The people protesting NRA, Congress and the Supreme Court are the ones I will enthusiastically support. I will not support people protesting against President Obama. Mayor Bloomberg of NY is a hypocrite and a coward. Instead of going after the real culprits he goes after the President.

A gun buyback day in San Francisco and Oakland brought out huge crowds Saturday as local residents turned over firearms for cash.

Each person turning in a working firearm to police was given $200 cash. The line was around the block in San Francisco where the group ran out of cash by early afternoon and started handing out I.O.U.’s.

A woman named Jean-Margaret Strauss was one of the first in line. She said the shooting in Newtown helped motivate her to turn in three guns that used to be her father’s. She said her guns weren’t jeopardizing anyone, but turning them in was a way to honor her family history. She said she kept her dad’s holster and plans to put gardening tools in it. “I don’t have to keep a hold of the guns,” Strauss said.

In Oakland, police said the response was even bigger. They expect to take back 300 guns Saturday. Police spokesperson Johnna Watson said people there turned in assault rifles, AK47s and other weapons that were known to be stolen.

At one point, the line in Oakland, including cars, stretched for nearly two miles. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” Watson said.

i so hope he and his family can have a christmas vacation soon. they’ve worked so hard this year, and there is never a real break in the action that lets them rest. hawaii is eagerly waiting to welcome them!

“We cannot imagine our lives without her”——family of victim Jessica Rekos write about their memories of her—–a little girl who loved everything about horses, had asked Santa for new cowgirl hat and boots——their first born—–heartbreaking, heartbreaking, heartbreaking

The President truly does carry the weight of the world on his shoulders…..yet he always speaks with such grace and compassion. I know we are all surrounding him with our prayers and positive thoughts today. Some days I don’t know how he keeps on.

How many times have we seen the pictures of POTUS and FLOTUS with children, and the first thing we notice is the wonderful, real interaction between them and the kids. So yes I agree the speech this evening will be tough for POTUS, but by the grace of God he will make it through.

Courtesy of the New England Patriots
The Patriots tweeted this photo this morning, which shows the Newtown black-ribbon logo.
The Patriots, who will wear black-ribbon logos on their helmets on Sunday night in honor of the 26 victims of the elementary school tragedy, see Newtown as part of their New England base, and had a direct connection with Friday’s tragedy.

The Kraft family, which owns the Patriots, also owns a box company, Rand-Whitney, that has a factory less than one mile from Sandy Hook Elementary School. Kraft explained to NFL.com that he had called the factory on Friday to pass along well-wishes to an employee that was retiring. He was instead informed of the tragedy at nearby Sandy Hook Elementary School, and that instead of a retirement party the company was holding counseling sessions and providing space to media members covering the school shooting.

“To me, the adults who lost their children in this are so important, the future of the school and how it moves forward is important, the town is important,” Kraft told NFL.com on Sunday morning. “It’s not for us to make the decision on what to do with the money. But we’re gonna help.”

Kraft also said that Friday’s tragedy had an a noticeable impact in the Patriots’ locker room.

“The players have been really affected by it, just hearing guys talk,” Kraft told NFL.com. “You never hear guys talk about current events, but the guys were talking about it on Friday afternoon and Saturday in the building. A lot of guys have young children. A lot of guys have guns. There was a lot of talk here.”

The Patriots also will send up 26 white flares during a moment of silence before Sunday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers to honor the 26 victims.

Every time I go away and come back in I think, I really, really appreciate the protester’s respect for the President. So often those who are making demands of Pres O forget the ‘little’ matter of respect for who he is, what he has done, and the office he holds. I in turn respect the lady pictured here.

Hi there Annieb, it’s been a while since I’ve said a personal hello to you – ‘Hello, Annieb!’ 😆 IMO (I tend to be a bit opinionated at times) elected officials who blame the Pres for issues that’s not ‘primarily his job’ just show their ignorance of the system in which they work, as well as their laziness to educate themselves, but that’s only my view.

Personally, I don’t agree with this action. I think Westboro is a pack of horrible, malicious, vile people who are teaching hate to their children. But, what is the motivation and expected outcome of publishing home addresses of these people? What could possibly happen, other than to put possibly innocent children and the lives of these Westboro people in harm’s way. They need to be shamed and shunned, but not harmed. We shouldn’t resort to these methods.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know if Jon Favreau still leads the speechwriting team at the WH? I see speechwriter Cody Keenan is on AF1 today—–he helped President Obama with the Tuscon speech. How horribly sad that there seems to be a consistent need for these post-violence speeches—–this one likely the toughest of all.